Jackpot

Jackpot is a 2011 Norwegian action-comedy film directed by Magnus Martens, based on a story by popular crime writer Jo Nesbø. The film stars Kyrre Hellum, Mads Ousdal, and Henrik Mestad, ideally portraying the gritty world of Scandinavian crime cinema infused with a healthy dose of dark humor.

The plot of Jackpot is set in motion with the protagonist, Oscar Svendson (Kyrre Hellum), being found in a strip joint holding a shotgun, with eight corpses strewn all around him and a lot of cash. Questioned by Detective Solor (Henrik Mestad), Oscar narrates a tale of how he, along with three ex-con colleagues from the Christmas Tree factory, managed to win a giant football pool Jackpot. But the question remains: What happened to the remaining crew, and who is responsible for the bloodbath at the strip club?

Oscar Svendson, a rather average character, figures out that his life is not in the normal realm anymore. He's an ordinary man, pushed to the edge of the abyss by extraordinary circumstances. This is where Kyrre Hellum shines; he conveys a range of emotions that keep the audience tethered to his character’s plight throughout the film. He brings an understated, nervous energy to his role, demonstrating Oscar's sense of being overwhelmed by sweeps of fate that are beyond his control.

On the other side, Mads Ousdal plays Thor, the dangerous and unpredictable factor in the movie. His eccentric character is a wildcard in the story, bringing with him an air of unpredictability. Ousdal's eccentric performance and volatile character keep the suspense alive, challenging audiences with an odd mix of threat and humor.

Playing detective Solor is Henrik Mestad, whose character anchors the movie in reality as he steadily uncovers what's happening amidst the chaotic events. Mestad's straight-faced humor and apt timing underline many of the comedic elements in the film. At the same time, Solor is bent on uncovering the truth, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative, pushing the viewers to think, and keeping them on the edge of their seats.

The film thrives on the humor found in extreme situations. Elements of black comedy speckle the narrative, breaking moments of high tension with unexpected relief. Martens makes an excellent use of visual comedy, exploiting the incongruity of violent scenes with moments of absurd humor. It resembles an old-school noirish world, embracing its modern Scandinavian setting replete with thick accents and Christmas tree plantations.

With its ensemble of distinctive, colourful characters and sequences that oscillate between the tense and the absurd, the narrative of Jackpot keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Despite its focus on crime and violence, it's also a story about camaraderie, trust, betrayal, and the unpredictability of human character, set in an absurd, noirish universe.

Jackpot maintains its stylistic expression through visually stunning cinematography that accentuates the atmospheric pressure of the plot. It further builds its suspense with an engaging soundtrack that perfectly complements the action on-screen.

Moreover, while the film is full of wild moments, it is careful never to lose sight of the narrative coherence. The director brilliantly ensures that the sequence of events remains plausible, or at least believable, within the somewhat exaggerated universe of the film. The absurdity, planned to the last detail, while remaining consistent, underlines the comedy rather than discrediting it.

In all, Jackpot can be summed up as a delightful crime-thriller that skillfully blends action, suspense, and a unique sense of humor. It's a tight, focused film that has a clear idea of what it wants to achieve. It invites the audience to have fun with the absurdity of the situation, while it tells an original story, which will keep viewers engrossed until the final reel.